Turks and Caicos Vacation Itineraries & Guides
Planning Your Trip
The Turks and Caicos offers so many great beaches, water sports, boat charters, and sights, and it can feel daunting trying to plan the perfect vacation. These travel itineraries provide general outlines of the must-visit beaches, things to do, restaurants, and attractions.
Keep in mind that the Turks and Caicos doesn't have the world-famous landmarks that many other destinations offer (such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro). The country's claim to fame is its incredible marine environment and the beaches, reefs, and wetlands that go with it.
While certain activities are worth booking in advance—boat charters, scuba diving, and horseback riding, for example, typically require prior reservation—it’s best to not get too caught up in the planning of your vacation. Much of the Turks and Caicos experience is simply relaxing at a pristine beach or snorkeling in crystal-clear water.
If you're only visiting for a few days, read our Long Weekend Getaway Itinerary. Alternatively, if you're visiting for a week or more and want to spend as much time as possible discovering the incredible environment and secluded beaches, check out our Outdoor and Nature Travel Guide.
When to Visit Turks and Caicos
A very common question when planning a getaway to Turks and Caicos is when to visit.
The short answer is that the islands are lovely year-round and that you should plan around when you want to take a vacation.
Late spring generally offers the nicest weather. Temperatures haven’t reached their summer peak, and the wind is a little calmer than during the winter months.
The late summer and fall low tourism season (which coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season) offers the best rates, the smallest crowds, and generally nice weather. The summer months also have the longest days, giving you more time to enjoy the beach.
General Travel Information
The Turks and Caicos is a very convenient place for American travelers to visit. The US dollar is the official and only currency, English is the official language, and the country uses US-style electrical plugs.
It’s also easy to get to the Turks and Caicos from much of the United States, as daily direct flights service the islands. Due to the country's location near the Bahamas, flight times are shorter than what’s typical for many other Caribbean destinations.
See Travel Information for details on passports and visas, customs allowances, what to bring, and more. For information on ATMs and credit and debit card use, see Turks and Caicos Money.
Getting Around and Transport
Except for short stays in the central Grace Bay area, it's generally recommended that most visitors to the Turks and Caicos rent a car or jeep for the duration of their stay. A few aspects of local driving can be intimidating for North American travelers. Traffic drives on the left side of the road, and there are no stoplights in the country (instead, roundabouts are used).
There is no public transport or ride-hailing, and taxis can be quite expensive. While many popular Turks and Caicos resorts include complimentary use of bicycles for guests staying at the resort, Providenciales isn’t a great location for cycling due to dangers from poor drivers, the lack of bike lanes, and the often intense sun.
